Treatment For Retentive Encopresis
The optimal treatment regiment for encopresis involves both a medical and a behavioral approach. If a pediatrician makes a diagnosis of retentive encopresis, the physician may recommend laxatives, stool softeners and/or an enema to remove the fecal impaction. The goal is prevent constipation and encourage good bowel habits. A stool softener is often prescribed.
Children should eat a high fiber diet with lots of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Large amounts of water and regular exercise can help with softer stools and decrease the discomfort associated with bowel movements.
Parents should be supportive and should refrain from criticism or discouragement. Children can be taught to not feel ashamed of the toileting behaviors and psychotherapy can help decrease the sense of shame, guilt and/or loss of self esteem that children may feel.
For the really tough cases, pediatric gastroenterologists use a behavioral method involving biofeedback and video presentations to retrain children who contract, rather than relax their external sphincter muscles during an attempt to make a bowel movement. This method teaches the child not to strain while keeping their anal canal open.
continue to treatment for non-retentive encopresis
back to retentive encopresis or non-retentive encopresis definitions
back to encopresis symptoms
Potty Training Tips & Info






Potty Scotty Products
Potty Patty Products
BABYBJORN Potty Training Products!
Fisher Price Potty
Mommy's Helper Potty
Primo Potty
Peter Potty
Learning Curve Potty Products
Gund
Abby Cadabby Products
BackYardigans Products
Blues Clues Products
Bob Builder Products
Caillou Products
Care Bears Products
DC Comics Products
Diego Products
Dinosaur Potty Product
Baby & Toddler Shop
The Mommy Shop
Children's Favorite Characters